Wombat Forest Wallaby Track Medium Walks / 1 night

Immerse yourself in nature whilst exploring the Wallaby Track section of the Goldfield Track (formerly known as the Great Dividing Trail) amongst the tall trees in Wombat Forest on two medium length (~8km) and one shorter (~4km) circuit walks. 

You will learn stress relief techniques from the ancient wisdom tradition of Satyananda Yoga. The yoga postures are suited to all body types, experience levels and ages and do not require you to stand on your head or to be able to touch your toes. It doesn’t matter if you are a total beginner or an advanced yogi, the postures practiced are gentle and help you release stress from the body and the mind.

Yoga Nidra, an amazing deep relaxation technique, along with different types of meditation are also practiced. The combination of all activities offered over the weekend with the clear, easy to understand directions and Annie’s friendly, calming persona will help you to slow down, reconnect, and find your place of inner peace, balance and stillness.

The accommodation for the retreat is at an authentic Yoga Ashram surrounded by nature  located in the heart of the Wombat State Forest only 90 minutes from Melbourne and Geelong, and 15 minutes from Daylesford. The peaceful, calming atmosphere of the Ashram and the healthy, organic, preservative and sugar free food served adds another dimension to the weekend. On Saturday evening before dinner you are invited to join other Ashram residents in a memorable, unique, health and healing fire ceremony.

After dinner find harmony whilst listening to the sound of live relaxing piano.

Venture through a cutting on the long gone Creswick to Daylesford railway line where the walls rise imposingly to well over 20m as the cutting curves 1km through 500 million year old bedrock. Listen to sounds of the forest which include the mournful mellow whistle of the White-winged chough. Be aware of the sun filtering through the trees, the scent of gum trees, and feel the earth bneath your feet. You will more than likely catch sight of the world’s largest marsupial, a kangaroo, hopping through the bush, a prickly echidna or a wily fox, and see evidence of gold diggings.

Cost is inclusive of all meals, accommodation, yoga classes including yoga nidra, guided bushwalks, live relaxing piano  and an authentic fire ceremony. 

Program

Arrive and register on Friday anytime between 3pm and 5pm. Meet and greet at 5.30pm before a wholesome dinner at 6pm. After dinner relax and let go listening to live piano and being guided through a Yoga Nidra (a complete body relaxation which you do lying down).

On Saturday morning (6.30am) after a restful sleep connect mind, body and breath in a gentle yoga class, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and participate in Karma Yoga with head, heart and hands. We then set off on our first 8km circuit incorporating the railway section of the Wallaby Track and passing the site where the Great Dividing Trail was launched in 1992.

On return refresh with morning tea, Yoga Nidra, a healthy lunch and free time to enjoy the serenity of the Ashram. Later in the day awaken your senses on a slower paced mindful 1hr walk incorporating some forest bathing. 

We return in time to rest before participating in a unique fire ceremony (Havan) with Ashram residents. The Havan is performed for peace, prosperity, health and happiness for all people and the environment. After another wholesome completely relax to the evocative tones of the piano, a short yoga nidra and meditation.

On Sunday waken to a new day with a calming yoga class (6.30am) and join morning chanting with Ashram residents (7.30am) followed by breakfast and Karma Yoga. Today we walk another 8km circuit incorporating a different section of the Wallaby Track to Mullins Dam. On return enjoy some morning tea, Yoga Nidra and a nourishing lunch. 

After lunch you are welcome to stay and rest in the peace of the Ashram and enjoy some afternoon tea at 2pm before departing.

Please note the program may be modified during inclement weather.